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A recurring theme at Human 360: FutureFit Workforce was the need for organisations to move beyond one-size-fits-all programmes and build more personalised, strategic, and future-ready wellbeing approaches.
This article is brought to you by Howden Hong Kong.
As workforces become more diverse, careers and life expectancies become longer, and employee expectations continue to evolve, benefits are increasingly becoming a strategic tool for attracting, retaining, and supporting talent.
That shift was at the centre of conversations during Human 360: FutureFit Workforce, where more than 150 HR professionals, business leaders, and industry experts gathered at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, on 22 October to explore what it takes to build a future-fit workforce through better employee health, wellbeing, and benefits.
Presented by Howden Hong Kong in partnership with Human Resources Online, the event brought together like-minded individuals across industries to discuss how organisations can navigate rising healthcare costs, workforce longevity, evolving employee needs, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on workforce decision-making.
Throughout the day, speakers and panellists examined how the role of employee benefits is evolving. No longer viewed simply as a protective safety net, benefits are increasingly expected to support the entire employee experience, from physical and mental wellbeing to financial resilience and long-term workforce engagement.
One recurring theme was the need for organisations to move beyond one-size-fits-all programmes. As workplaces become increasingly multigenerational and employees seek more personalised support, benefits strategies must become more flexible, relevant, and responsive to changing life stages and priorities. Howden strives to turn benefits data into actionable insights, empowering HR leaders to better understand their workforce and make smarter decisions for their people.
Another key theme that emerged throughout the day was the importance of a strong partnership between the CEO and HR. Speakers highlighted that workforce health, wellbeing, and benefits can no longer be viewed solely as HR initiatives or a “nice to have”. Instead, they should be embedded into a broader business strategy and supported at the leadership level.
Beyond the presentations and panel discussions, attendees also had the opportunity to experience wellbeing in action through a series of interactive wellness activities and workshops, including the Air Plant Terrarium Workshop and the Scented Crystal Workshop. These hands-on experiences encouraged participants to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a moment of creativity away from their busy schedules.
Five key takeaways from Human 360: FutureFit Workforce:
1. Employee benefits are no longer just insurance or perks.
They are strategic investments in workforce health, resilience, and organisational performance. The question is not simply how much you spend, but whether that spend is delivering meaningful value.
2. One-size-fits-all programmes are becoming obsolete.
Different generations, life stages and priorities demand different support. Employers need to move from standardised programmes towards more relevant, flexible, and personalised benefits.
3. Workforce longevity is reshaping benefits design.
As people live and work longer, organisations must rethink how they support employees throughout extended careers.
4. The CEO-HR partnership is becoming increasingly important.
Benefits cannot sit with HR alone. Future-ready organisations will be those where business leaders and HR work together to make workforce health, wellbeing, and benefits a strategic priority rather than a standalone programme.
5. Technology can enhance benefits programmes, but human-centred leadership remains essential.
Technology provides the insight. People create the impact. AI and analytics should complement, not replace, empathy and meaningful employee support.
Sincere gratitude to all speakers, moderators, and panellists for sharing their expertise, experiences, and perspectives, including:
- Cissy Ho, Director, Talent Management, Asia, AECOM
- Andrew Lee, Head of CS Strategy and Portfolio Management, AIA Hong Kong and Macau
- Tommy Shum, Chief Group Solutions Officer, Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited
- Michael Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Cigna Healthcare
- Alaric Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Howden Hong Kong
- Eugene Wong, Employee Benefits, Practice Lead, Howden Hong Kong
- Steven Luk, Executive Director, Employee Benefits, Howden Hong Kong
- Jan Ng, Head of Sales, Employee Benefits, Howden Hong Kong
- Tracy Chan, Deputy Editor – North Asia, Human Resources Online
- Klennis Lau, Regional HR Director – APAC, L’OCCITANE (Far East)
- Hayly Leung, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Retirement Schemes Association and RetireHK
^Listed alphabetically by company name
Kudos also to all sponsors and partners for their support in bringing this event to life and fostering meaningful industry dialogue.
Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to all attendees for taking the time to join us, contributing to the discussions, and helping shape the future of employee health, wellbeing, and benefits.
As organisations continue to navigate a rapidly changing world of work, the conversations sparked at Human 360: FutureFit Workforce serve as a reminder that future-ready workforces are built not only through technology and innovation, but also through a commitment to supporting the evolving needs of their people.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and helping build a healthier, more resilient future of work together.
All photos / Howden Hong Kong
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